On 9 November 2020, a total of seven Myanmar nationals aged between 30 and 42, were arrested in a joint operation led by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, supported by the Singapore Police Force.

2          The operation was conducted at about 5.00am on a vegetable farm located along Sungei Tengah Road. Six makeshift shelters were found with Myanmar nationals sleeping inside. These men were arrested for suspected immigration-related offences.  During preliminary investigations, they admitted that they have been staying in Singapore without a valid immigration pass and have been working on the farm without a valid work pass. Investigations are currently ongoing.

3          ICA takes a serious view towards attempts of overstaying in Singapore. Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), the penalties for overstaying are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane.  

4          ICA also takes a firm stance against any person who employs immigration offenders (IOs). Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), anyone found guilty of employing an IO, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than 6 months and not more than two years, and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $6,000. Employers and homeowners have a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore.  They are reminded to exercise due diligence in checking the status of foreigners before offering them employment or renting out their premises. Without the prospect of illegal employment or shelter, IOs would not find Singapore attractive.

5          ICA is committed to safeguard Singapore’s security and will continue with our inland enforcement efforts to ensure that the immigration offender situation is kept under control.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
12 NOVEMBER 2020

PHOTOS
Seven Myanmar nationals arrested in ICA’s joint operation on 9 November 2020

Exterior of one of the shelters